Common Hardwood Tree Diseases - Prevention and Control

Common Hardwood Tree Diseases - Prevention and Control Hardwood or deciduous trees can be harmed or killed by disease-causing organisms called pathogens. The most common tree diseases are caused by fungi. Fungi lack chlorophyll and derive nourishment by feeding on (parasitizing) trees. Many fungi are microscopic but some are visible in the form of mushrooms or conks. Also, some tree diseases are caused by bacteria and viruses. Pathogens can infect many different tree species with similar disease symptoms. These are the ones I want to address here: Powdery Mildew Tree Disease Powdery mildew is a common disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaf surface. It attacks all kinds of trees. Trees most commonly affected by powdery mildew are linden, crabapple, catalpa and chokecherry, but almost any tree or shrub can get powdery mildew. Find out how to prevent and control powdery mildew tree disease. Sooty Mold Tree Disease Sooty mold disease may occur on any tree but is most commonly seen on boxelder, elm, linden, and maple. The pathogens are dark fungi that grow either on the honeydew excreted by sucking insects or on exuded material coming from leaves of certain trees. Find out how to prevent and control sooty mold tree disease. Verticillium Wilt Tree Disease A common soil-borne disease called Verticillium alboatrum enters the tree through its roots and causes leaves to wilt. Light colored leaves with a dull appearance are noticeable in early summer. The leaves then begin to drop. The danger is greatest in highly susceptible trees like maple, catalpa, elm and stone fruit. Find out how to prevent and control Verticillium wilt tree disease. Canker Tree Disease The term canker disease is used to describe a killed area in the bark, the branch or the trunk of an infected tree. Dozens of species of fungi cause canker diseases. Find out how to prevent and control canker tree disease. Leaf Spot Tree Disease Leaf disease called leafspots are caused by a variety of fungi and some bacteria on many trees. An especially harmful version of this disease is called anthracnose which attacks many tree species. Find out how to prevent and control leaf spot tree disease. Heart Rot Tree Disease Heart rot disease in living trees is caused by fungi which have entered the tree through open wounds and exposed bare wood. Usually a conk or mushroom fruiting body is the first sign of infection. All deciduous trees can get heart rot. Find out how to prevent and control heart rot tree disease. Root and Butt Rot Tree Disease Root and butt rot disease is the most common disease affecting hardwoods. Many fungi are capable of causing root rots and some cause considerable decay of the butts of trees as well. Root rots are more common on older trees or trees which have sustained root or basal injury. Find out how to prevent and control root and butt rot tree disease.